Every time the new year comes, everyone has this optimism that something is going to be different and good change can happen. While one doesn’t really need to wait for the new year to begin having resolutions, it’s helpful to take advantage of this collective feeling of hope.
Here are ten thoughtful resolutions to help make the upcoming year fulfilling and inspiring.
1. Prioritize Your Health with a Balanced Diet
Eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet is crucial for overall health and reducing the risk of recurrence. Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Check out this Healthy Eating Guide for practical tips on adopting a sustainable diet that supports long-term wellness.
The goal here is NOT to suppress you from eating, rather, to replace bad habits with good ones. Identify food that you usually eat which can have an alternative healthy option. For example, if you enjoyed ice cream a lot, perhaps frozen yogurt can be the replacement. Do not deprive yourself; instead, treat yourself to a healthy meal.
2. Stay Physically Active
Regular exercise helps improve physical and emotional well-being. Whether it’s yoga, walking, or swimming, find an activity you enjoy and aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. Gentle movement can enhance flexibility, reduce fatigue, and boost your mood.
What you will want to avoid is stagnation. It’s easy to get stuck in a screen (whether it’s your phone or the tv) and not get out of your comfortable environment. Set an alarm every hour to just get up and about for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Remember, the key to being active is not necessarily becoming a marathon runner. It’s all about movement, spread throughout the day.
3. Prioritize Mental Health
Make time for mental well-being through practices like meditation, journaling, or therapy. After the challenges of breast cancer, nurturing your emotional health is just as important as your physical recovery. Therapy or support groups can provide invaluable outlets for processing your feelings.
When you have your mental health in a good state, everything else follows! Your choice of food, your motivation to be physically active, and even your social nature will improve.
4. Focus on Lifestyle Changes
Small but impactful lifestyle changes, like reducing alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, or quitting smoking, can make a big difference. Learn more about lifestyle changes to stay healthy after cancer and take steps to build habits that support your long-term health.
You might want to surround yourself with people who encourage a good lifestyle. Because we are a social species, we tend to follow the habits of the people we stick around with. Find a support group or a like-minded community.
5. Embrace Mindfulness
Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing or guided meditation, can help reduce stress and improve focus. Commit to being present in the moment, appreciating your journey, and finding joy in everyday experiences.
A helpful youtube video, or a mindfulness video can help you through your meditation if you’re not yet ready to go to a physical class.
6. Cultivate Supportive Relationships
Surround yourself with loved ones who uplift and inspire you. Strengthen existing bonds or seek out new communities, like local or online support groups, where you can connect with others who understand your experience.
Supportive relationships can also be cultivated at home. Intentional communication and creating a safe space to express yourself, can do wonders for your relationships.
7. Educate Yourself About Long-Term Health
Knowledge is power. Make it a goal to stay informed about post-cancer care and ways to reduce recurrence risk. Resources like this guide to reducing breast cancer recurrence offer valuable insights for survivors.
8. Celebrate Small Wins
Focus on progress, not perfection. Whether it’s cooking a healthy meal, completing a workout, or taking time for self-care, celebrate every step you take toward your goals. These moments of pride build momentum and confidence.
Here’s a quick tip: take photos of your small wins. You don’t need to post them on social media. The photos are for you to look back and appreciate.
9. Commit to Regular Check-Ups
Staying on top of your medical appointments is key to long-term health. Make it a resolution to prioritize regular check-ups and screenings with your healthcare team to ensure you’re proactively managing your well-being.
10. Live in the Moment
After overcoming breast cancer, many survivors find a renewed appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. Whether it’s spending time with family, traveling, or pursuing a hobby, resolve to savor each moment and embrace the joy of the present.
Life is not a contest; you don’t need to do anything too grand. Focus on the small things that give you joy and peace. To truly live in the moment is to appreciate all the good that surrounds you no matter how small.
New Year, New Journey
These resolutions can serve as a roadmap to guide breast cancer survivors toward a healthier and happier year ahead. Remember, the most important resolution is to be kind to yourself and honor your journey.
Here’s to a new year filled with growth, hope, and healing.
From the FrontRoom Underfashions Family to all the brave Women of the world, Happy New Year!